The Independent: Genetic breakthrough that reveals the differences between humansSubmitted by J.W. Bizzaro; posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006(2 comments)

An article by Steve Connor:

``Scientists have discovered a dramatic variation in the genetic make-up of humans that could lead to a fundamental reappraisal of what causes incurable diseases and could provide a greater understanding of mankind.

``The discovery has astonished scientists studying the human genome - the genetic recipe of man. Until now it was believed the variation between people was due largely to differences in the sequences of the individual `letters' of the genome.

``It now appears much of the variation is explained instead by people having multiple copies of some key genes that make up the human genome.''

As mentioned in the article, this discovery will change the world. And the sample size was only 270 people!! Just think of what will be discovered in the near future when everyone can have their DNA sequenced as a routine medical test. Without a doubt, we are entering a new era...

This may have taken so long to find because the Shotgun approach to sequencing (used in the Human Genome Project) makes it difficult to reassemble repetitive sequences. So, if everyone is going to have their DNA sequenced, another approach may be needed.